The Balvenie Forty Aged 40 Years

Distillery Background and History

Established in 1892 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, The Balvenie Distillery is one of the few remaining producers maintaining their traditional crafts—including estate-grown barley, floor‑malting, on‑site cooperage, and coppersmithing under one roof. As part of William Grant & Sons, Balvenie is respected for its classic Speyside elegance and experimental Rare Marriages series, in which Forty is included  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Under the long tenure of David C. Stewart MBE (now succeeded by Brian Kinsman), Balvenie’s philosophy revolves around small-batch craftsmanship, meticulous cask selection, and marrying maturations to highlight minimal interference with natural spirit character. The Forty reflects decades of maturing perfection and careful blending  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made entirely from malted barley—partially estate-grown and partially sourced regionally—Balvenie uses pure Speyside spring water and long-established yeast strains. The grain sourcing and natural water contribute to its honeyed, malt-forward elegance  .

Distillation Process

Produced using copper pot stills—five wash stills and six spirit stills—in traditional small-batch distillation. The spirit is unpeated and designed for supreme smoothness and balance  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged for approximately 40 years in a selection of ex-bourbon American oak and ex-sherry European oak casks, hand‑chosen from the Rare Marriages inventory. The prolonged maturation imparts intense oak influence, complexity, and refinement  .

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich honeyed oak layered with orange marmalade, dried apricot, stewed fruit, creamy floral fruit, gentle ginger/spice, vanilla, and gentle leather/woody elements 

Palate: Elegant and layered—candied ginger, cinnamon, subtle citrus blossom, oak tannin, vanilla richness, sherried fruit, warm spice, and honey-sweet depth 

Finish: Long, warm, refined, with lingering citrus richness, honeyed sweetness, nutmeg, dry oak, and refined spice. Elegantly balanced despite dryness of wood  .

Food Pairing Suggestions

Exceptional with intensely flavored dishes such as aged Parmigiano‑Reggiano, nutty blue cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, fruit compote tarts, or pastries with dried fruit. Also pairs beautifully with citrus‑and‑ginger desserts.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass at 15–18 °C to preserve the layered aromatics and refined texture. A small drop of water may open scents further. Ice is not recommended.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright, sealed, and in a cool dark place. This premium 40‑year whisky is fully mature—further bottle aging offers minimal evolution beyond slow oxidation. Best consumed within a few years of opening.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley aged over four decades in selected oak casks.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 46% ABV (some releases at 48.5%), depending on batch